Greenville College Welcomes the Class of 2016

Greenville College Welcomes the Class of 2016

The Greenville College campus was certainly buzzing this past week, as over 350 new students arrived for new student orientation. With their smart phones, iPods, backpacks and class schedules in hand, students joined our community from cities, small towns and suburbs from all over the United States, and the world.

Students were greeted with open arms (quite literally) as returning students and residence life staff acted as their personal "baggage brigade." Also, thanks to Fast-Track (a new computer program that allows students to complete nearly 90% of the registration process at home), long lines and waiting for registration were not factors this year. Instead, students had plenty of time to move into their new rooms, meet new classmates, get their picture taken at a GC photo booth, or even listen to the marching band throughout the morning.

Throughout the weekend, the festivities kept going. Over 1,000 students, faculty and staff attended an alumni soccer game and tailgate party. They were treated to a lively soccer game, enjoyed freshly grilled burgers, and were introduced to this fall's sports team line-ups. The weekend also provided a time for students to participate in a special technology session, where they learned more about technology on campus and how to plan their future.

After a few days of being acclimated to campus, new students participated in the annual Greenville College Community Service Project. This is the third time in the past four years, that first year students participated in a community service project at a local Kingsbury Park District facility. The group was divided into 18 work groups, and helped with everything from painting, to spreading rock on hiking paths, to trimming back brush and limbs around the park. It was an exciting way for Greenville College students to begin their college career with service

To wrap up New Student Orientation and celebrate the new school year, students celebrated with the campus-wide "Back to School Bash." It was a fun-filled night that included a barbeque, rock climbing wall, laser tag, live music, and most importantly, students enjoying the last night before classes started. What an appropriate way to start another exciting and hopefully, fun-filled school year!